Let-off apparatus

ABSTRACT

A funnel having a wire-admitting opening at the larger end thereof and a wire-discharging opening at the smaller end thereof is movable between a first position with the wire-admitting opening overlying a coil of wire on a first let-off stand and a second position with the wire-admitting opening overlying a coil of wire on a second let-off stand, said coils being successively connected. Funnel moving and holding means are provided for moving the funnel alternatively between the first and second positions and for temporarily holding the funnel in the respective first and second positions as wire is being pulled from successive coils on the first and second let-off stands. The wire is pulled through the funnel and over an elongated drum rotatably supported by the funnel adjacent to the wiredischarging opening. Snag control means are provided for stopping the wire as a snag in the wire reaches the drum.

United States Patent [72] lnvcntor Richard S. Strozewski Berrien Springs, Mich. [2]] Appl. No. 784,582 [22] Filed Dec. 18, 1968 [4S] Patented Jan. 19, 1971 [73] Assignee National-Standard Company 1 Niles, Mich.

a corporation of Delaware [54] LET-OFF APPARATUS 10 Claims, 7 Drawing Figs.

[52] U.S.Cl 226/25. 226/199; 242/786, 242/30 [51] Int. Cl B65h 23/00 [50] Field ofSearch 226/11,25, 196, 199, 200; 242/80, 78.6

{56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,321,878 6/1943 Tyrrell 242/7 8.8

2 0 2&9

2,944,755 7/1960 Foster Primary Examiner-Richard A. Schacher Attorney-Johnson, Dienner, Emrich, Verbeck & Wagner ABSTRACT: A funnel having a wire-admitting opening at the larger end thereof and a wire-discharging opening at the smaller end thereof is movable between a first position with the wire-admitting opening overlying a coil of wire on a first let-off stand and a second position with the wire-admitting opening overlying a coil of wire on a second let-off stand, said coils being successively connected. Funnel moving and holding means are provided for moving the funnel alternatively between the first and second positions and for temporarily holding the funnel in the respective first and second positions as wire is being pulled from successive coils on the first and second let-off stands. The wire is pulled through the funnel and over an elongated drum rotatably supported by the funnel adjacent to the wire-discharging opening. Snag control means are provided for stopping the wire as a snag in the wire reaches the drum.

PATENTEU JANIQIQYI Sam 1 of 4 3,556; 370

PATENIED JAN 1 9 1971v SHEET 3 [IF 4 a f '12 "LE'W FAP WS v BACKGROUNDOF THE INVENTION This invention pertains to let-off apparatusallowing wireto be'pulled continuously from successively eonnected coils in such a' mannerQasto'preve'nt tangling andballooning of the wire. Letoff appara'tusembodying the principles of this invention is satisfactory for use withheavy gauge wire' or wire rod of the order of one-eighth in'ch or rnore in diameter. I

' It is a common practice in industry to pullwire-inan overhead direction from: individual coils I wound on stationary swifts. With t his, practice, the,wire; is pulled off the coils in loose turns initia lly a generally h'eheail 'fcorifiguration. Usually, in order tosubstantiallyeliminate such turns, the wire is pulled over an overhead sheave.,A certain amount of torsional strain is inducedjn the wire asthe wire is pulled from the coils. Because of the'torsionalstrain, the wire has a tendency to tangle and to.balloon uncontrolledly radially en larging spiralswith the attendant additional disadvantage of exposing nearby'personnel to inju'r'y and subjecting nearby I equipment to damage.

In the past. let-off apparatusofvarioustypes havebeen used to control tangling and uncontrolled ballooning of wire which is being pulledin th'e aforesaid manner. With knownlet-off ap paratus. the 'w' spoiled initially through anfopen ended. generally 'cylindi'Ical orgenerally conical confining structure and then over anoverhead lsheav eJTh e confining structure is provided for' th'e purposefofconfining the wire after ithas been pulled from a supplying coil in loose ,t'tIrnsthe'reby rediIcing the tendencyof the wire tojtangleand,prcventing uncorttrolled ballooningofthe'wire. t i

v It is'anothe'r .commonpractic'e in industry toar'range a iu rality of coils successively with the trailing ends of the respective coils connected to the'leading ends of the next-succeeding coils. This arrangement permits wire to be drawn continuously t'romany" number 'of coils. ln 'some linstzirnces. the" coils are at- 2 It isanother object of this invention to provide let-off apparatus. of the foregoing type. in which the funnel has a rugged. open cagelike structure able to withstand the destru'etive action of heavy-gauge wire or wirerod.

It is another object ofjthis' invention toprovide let-off tipparatusI as described. inwhich the wire is pulled over'an elongated drum. t It is'a moreparticular object of this invention to provide letoff apparatus. as described.which allows wire to be pulled continuou'sly'from individual'successively connected stationacoils arranged alternatingly 'on two side-'to-side let-off stands.

Accordingly. the funnel is supported for movement between a first position with the wire-admitting opening overlying a.

CQIIn the first let-off stand and a second position with the wire-admitting opening overlying a coil on the second let-off stand. Means are provided for moving the funnel alternatively Preferably hydraulic or-pneumatic cylinder mechanism. of I the.- type which has a cylinderandfa retractable-extensible ranged in rowson a work floor. and let-off apparatus" is posihead traveling craneQljrtother instances, the successively con-.-

' nected coils are 'alternatingly arranged 'onafirst and "second side-to-side let-off stands and'let-off apparatus is'positioned pistonrod; is connected to the funnel so as to move the funnel to the first position duringretraction of. the rod and to move the funnel to'thje second position during'extension of the rod.

The hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder mechanism is actuated by first and second switch means. The first switch meanseffects extension of the rod as the trailing end ofa coil on the -first let-off stand is pulled from the first let-off stand. Thesecond switch means effects retraction of the rod as the trail ing end of a coil on the second let-off stand is pulled from the second let-off stand. 7

his also preferred that an externally controlled jack be em- I ployed to adjust theelevation of the funnel with respect to the overhead. In such instances, wire may bepulled continuously froni'afirst coil on the first let-off stand and a second coil on a second'let-offstand, Then; while wire isbeing pulled fromthe second coil afterthe-first coil has been'eithauste d, a third coil may be moved into readinessin place of the first coil. These steps may be repeated with any'numbecof additional, successively conneitid t? .i, S- v l i v In the Iatt'erinstanees. known let-off apparatuses have been rod of .the order of one-eighth inch ormore in diameter, owning in part to the relative inflexibilityof such materials and the magnitude of the torsional strains incurred by such materials. Known Iet-off apparatuses are unable to withstand the destructive action of heavy gauge wire or wire rod. There is a need for let-off apparatus which has utility with heavy-gauge wire or wirerod as aforenoted.

SUMMARY OF TH NvEN rIoN It is one object of this invention to provide let-off apparatus coils on the first and second let-off means.

. These and other objectstfeatures and advantages of this invention should be evident from the following description with the'aid of the attached drawings of the presently preferred embodiment of this invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. I is a plan view of let-off apparatusembodying the unsatisfactory for use wIth'coIls of heavy gauge mm or wIre of a novel and useful type which may be employed advantageously with heavy-gauge wire or wire rod as aforenoted. Let-off apparatus embodying the principles of thisinventiortv comprises anelongated funnel having at the larger end thereof a wire-admitting opening adapted to admit loose turns of wire pulled from the coils and. at the smaller end thereof a wiredischarging opening adapted to substantially straighten .wire

pulled therethrough. An elongated drum is rotatably supported by the funnel outwardly of and proximate to the wiredischarging opening. The funnel, confines the wire after it has principles of this invention. showing the let-off I apparatus in use with auxiliary rollers in a typical wire pulling operation;

rollers;

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the let-off apparatus in isolation. showing the let-off apparatus on an enlarged scale;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view taken from the right side of FIG.3;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view, partly broken away, taken sub-.

stantially along line 5-5 of FIG. 4 in the direction of the artion, taken substantially along line 6-6 of FIG. 3 in the direction of the arrows; and

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken substantially along line 7-7 of FIG. 6 in the direction of the arrows.

DESCRIPTION OF THE'PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The drawings illustrate let-off apparatus, indicated 1 generally at 10, constituting the presently preferred embodi s ment of this invention. The let-off apparatus 10 is designed for been pulled from thesupplyingcoil in loose turns. effectively a reducing the tendency of the wire to tangle and preventing uncontrolled ballooning of the wire. Means may be provided for stopping the wire as a snag in the wire reaches the drum.

use in confining heavy gauge wire or wire rod which is being pulled continuously from individual successively connected stationary coils (not shown). The coils are wound in conven- I tional manner or similar swifts I2 and are arranged alternatingly on side-to-side first and second let-off stands I4 and 16 respectively.

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the let-off apparatus and FIG. 6 is a detail .view, partly broken away and partly in sec- I The let-off stands 14 and 16 are designed to hold the swifts 12 in place to permit wire to be pulled from the coils in a generally overhead direction. H65. 1 and 2 show wire W being pulled through the let-off apparatus 10. over a set of rotatably supported rollers 22. 24. and 26. and therebeyond for treatment and use. Any suitable external pulling mechanism (not shown) may be used to pull the wire.

In FlGSIl and 2, it may be seen that the let-off apparatus generally comprises an elongated preferably somewhat conical funnel 30 having at the larger end thereof a wire-admitting opening 32 and at the smaller end thereof a wire-discharging opening 34. an elongated roller or drum 36 rotatably supported by the funnel 30 outwardly of and approximate to the wire-discharging opening 34. and funnel supporting structure 38 pivotally supporting the funnel 30 so as to permit pivotal movement of the funnel 30 between a first position with the wire-admitting opening 32 overlying a coil on the first let-off stand 14 and a second position with the wire-admitting opening 32 overlying a coil on the second let-off stand 16. In H65. 2 and 3, the funnel 30 is shown in the first position in full lines and in the second position in phantom lines. In addition. the let-off apparatus 10 generally comprises funnel moving and holding means 40 for moving the funnel 30 altcrnatingly between the first and second positions and temporarily holding the funnel 30 in the respective first and second positions as wire is being pulled from successive coils on the respective first and second let-off stands 14 and 16.

The let-off stands 14 and 16 are supported on respective four-wheeled carriages 42 and 44 by means of which the respective let-off stands 14 and 16 are movable between a predetermined location generally beneath the funnel 30 and a removed location suitable for removal and replacement of the swifts 12. The wheels 46 of the carriage 42 and the wheels 48 of the carriage 44 are grooved and spaced so as to ride upon respective pairs of parallel rails 50 and 52. The pairs of rails 50 and 52 in turn are mounted in closely spaced parallel relation and are tied together with end members 54. In FIG. 4, the letoff stand 14 is shown generally beneath the funnel 30 in full lines and in the removed location in phantom lines. The first let-off stand 14 comprises a supporting table 56 and a conically tapered integral center post 58. The second let-off stand 16 comprises a similar base 60 and a similar center post 62. As shown, the respective let-off stands 14 and 16 are tilted to generally align the coils with the funnel 30.

For cooperation with the center posts 58 and 62, each swift 12 is formed with an axial tubular hub 64 to be positioned over the center post 58 or 62 which then centers the swift 12 on the let-off stand 14 or 16. Each swift 12 also includes a base 66, a plurality of rigidly connected longitudinal struts 68 extended perpendicularly from the base 66 and turned inwardly to the hub 64 to form a rigid upper framework 70, and a U-shaped handle 72 upwardly extending from the hub 64.

The funnel 30 has a rugged cagelike structure and comprises a lower ring 74 which defines the wire-admitting opening 32. an upper solid plate 76 through which the wiredischarging opening 34 is formed. and a plurality of elongated lateral ribs 78. The wire-admitting opening 32 through the ring 74 is large enough to admit loose turns of wire pulled from the coils. The lateral ribs 78 of the funnel 30 serve to confine the wire after it has been pulled from the coils in loose turns, thereby effectively reducing the tendency of the wire to tangle and preventing uncontrolled ballooning of the wire. The rugged cagelike structure of the funnel is not unduly cumbersome yet is effective with heavy-gauge wire or wire rod of the order of one-eighth inch or more in diameter. The wire discharging opening 34 is adapted to substantially straighten wire pulled therethrough. To this end, the opening 34 is considerably smaller than the loose turns of wire pulled from the coils yet is large enough to allow substantially straightened wire to pass freely therethrough. Furthermore, bottom edge 80 of the opening 34 is flared (FIGS. 6 and 7) to facilitate passage of the wire across the edge of the opening 34.

LII

As may be best seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, the aforementioned elongated drum 36 forms part of the structure carried at the upper end of the funnel 30. The lateral ribs 78 are welded or otherwise rigidly attached to a generally square frame 86 which has a radially inwardly directed flange 88. The aforementioned upper solid plate 76 fits upon the flange 88 and is secured to the flange 88 by means ofa plurality of screws 90.

A pair of similar upright posts 92 are welded or otherwise rigidly attached to opposite portions of the frame 86. An integral flange 94 is provided at the upper end of each channel post 92v A pillow block 96 is bolted to each flange 94. and a pivot shaft 98 isjournaled in the respective pillow blocks 96.

lnwardly of the respective pillow blocks 96, respective elongated beams 100 are supported by the pivot shaft 98 at respective intermediate sleeves 102 which are suitably secured to the respective beams 100 and fixed by set screws (not shown) to the pivot shaft 98. A journal bearing 104 is suitably secured to one end of each beam 100. The elongated drum 36 is rotatably supported on a central axle 106 which is journaled in the respective journal bearings 104. The axle 106 is parallel to the pivot shaft 98.

A Zbeam 108 is welded otherwise rigidly connected across the opposite ends of the respective beams 100. A bracket 110 is bolted to the inside of the beam 108 at a middle portion of the beam 108. A reinforcing beam 112 is welded or otherwise rigidly connected across the respective beams 100 at intermediate portions thereof.

A pair of similar upright posts 124 are welded or otherwise rigidly attached to opposite portions of the frame 86 opposite rigidly attached to opposite portions of the frame 86 opposite to the elongated drum 36 and outwardly of the respective beams 100. A beam 126 is welded or otherwise rigidly connected across the lower portions of the respective beams 100 beneath the beam 108. A bracket 128 is bolted to the inside of the beam 126 beneath the bracket 110.

Externally adjustable hydraulic cylinder mechanism 130 is connected between the bracket 0 on the beam 108 and the bracket 128 on the beam 126. The piston rod 132 of the hydraulic cylinder mechanism 130 carries a clevis 134 by means of which the piston rod 132 is pivotally connected to the bracket 110 for pivotal movement on an axis parallel to the pivot shaft 98. The cylinder case 136 of the hydraulic cylinder mechanism 130 has mounted thereto an inverted U- shaped bracket 138 by means of which the cylinder case 136 is pivotally connected to the bracket 128 for pivotal movement on an axis similarly parallel to the pivot shaft 98.

A sensing roller 144 is associated with the drum 36 in a manner to be described hereinafter. A beam 146 is welded or otherwise suitably connected across the posts 124 beneath the beams 100. The beam 146 serves to limit the pivotal movement of the beams 100 in one direction. When the drum 36 is in an operating position with respect to the sensing roller 144, the beams 100 rest against the beam 146, as shown. A beam 148 is welded or otherwise suitably connected across the post 124 above the beams 100. The beam 148 serves to limit the pivotal movement of the beams 100 in the other direction and thus to limit the amount by which the drum may move downwardly from the aforementioned operating position.

Under normal operating conditions. the wire passing over the drum 36 and beneath the sensing roller 144 produces a downward pull on the drum 36. Minor fluctuations in such downward pull may occur under normal operating conditions. The hydraulic cylinder mechanism 130 is designed to react against the downward pull on the drum 36 with sufficient internal pressure to hold the drum 36 in the aforementioned operating position under normal operating conditions. The hydraulic cylinder mechanism 130 permits other than negligible extension of the piston rod 132, and consequent downward movement of the drum 36, only upon such marked increase in the downward pull on the drum 36 as would occur. for example, if plural turns of the wire were to become entangled with each other and to be pulled from the supplying coil, in which instance the added weight of the wire between the drum 36and thesupplying coil wouldovercoine the internal pressure of the hydraulic cylinder mechanism 130;or if the wire being pulled from the Supplying coil wereto become en- 36 would be evenmoresubstantially increased. In the latter instance. there would be the added risk that the wire might snap or that the swift mightbegin to be liftedl'However; upo'n suchdownwardntovement of thedru'in 36 in opposition to the hydraulic cylinder mechaitism 130 ."the'wireis "stopped in a manner to be described hereinafter.

The hydraulic-cylinder mechanism 130 is of a type well known in-the art-for thepu rposes set'forth and further details thereof may be supplied readily by'thos e skilled in the art. 7

Because of'torsional strain, the wire maytend to snake back and forth over the surfaceof the drum 36. For this reason the elongated drum 36 is used instead of a narrow sheave. From FIGS. 6 and7, it maybeseen that the' elongated drum 36 is provided'with enlarged rims 0. The enlarged rims 150 effectively prevent the wire from snaking entirely off'thedrum 36. Any snag-in .t'he=wire-.is' sensed bythe aforementioned sensing roller 144 which is biasedtagainst the'surface'of'the drum36.

The sensing'rolleb144t'orms part'of snag controlmeans 152 for stopping the-wire as a snag in the wire reaches the drumv 36.The'snag controlmeansql62talso serves to n a stop the wire upon downward movement of the drum3 6. 1 v

In addition to'the sensing roller 144; thejsnag control means 152 comprises a-pair of geher'aliy L-shap'ed piv'ot arms 154.

Each pivotarm l54 comprises afirstangle beam-156-anda second angle beam 158 rigidly joined together end-to endat an obtusely 'mitered joint 16!). T he'first angle beam 156 of lil . 6 18 6 of th'e beam 108 and is threadedinitially through the nut 1 98 and then into'the socketmemberl90. The overall length of the actuator 188 is adjusted; by screwing the thumb screw 192 into and out of the socket member 190. such that the enlarged head of the thumb screw 192' engages the switch arm' 184 and holds the switch arm 18'4 inthe up" or "on" position while unsnag'ged wire "is .beingpulled between the drum 36 and the sensing roller [44 and such that the downwardly biased switch arm I84 is restored to the "down" or "off" off position 'either when the dru nt'36 is pulled downwardly against the reaction of the hydraulic cylinder mechanism-130. as aforementioned; or when a snag inthe wirereaches the drum 36 andlifts the sensing roller' 14- away from the drum 36. The .nut'l98 'is backthreaded against the socket member 190tolock the thumb screw 192 in place with respect to the socket member 190. F

The funnel supporting structure 38 of the let-off apparatus I0 is next to be described such structure 58 pivotally supporting the funnel so as to permit pivotal movement of the funnel 30 between a first position with the wire-admitting opening 32 overlying a coil on the first let-off stand 14 and a second. position with-the wire-admitting opening 32 overlying a coil on-the second let-off stand 16. as mentioned hereinbcfore'.

The funnel's upporting structure 38 comprises a pair of fixed 212. As the framework 216 is lowered and raised alongthe drum 36 and against the surfacejof. the drum 36. An angle beam 168 is welded or otherwise rigidly'connected across the pivot arms l54at the extremities of the respective second angle beams 158. I

The s g cam means 152 further comprises means 172 biasing the sensing roller" 144 toward thefsurfa'ce of thedrum 36. The biasin means 1'72 eomprisesa pair'of' coiled springs 174 which'ai'e connected tothe respective pit/0; arms 154'by means of Ieyelet s 178 suitably fastenedjto'the' respective second angle bea'nis 158."The'springs'174pass through siiitable openings 176 in the beam 108 and are supported from the 1 beam 148 by means of eyelets 18 0 suitably fastened to the beam 148. The aforementioned beam 148 serves to lirnitthe pivotal movement of the pivot arms 154, thereby limiting the pulling of the wire whenthe arm [84 is-in a down or -offf position. The arm 184 is biased towardthedownT' or oft position. The switch 182 is bolted to an outwardly extending flanged portion 186 of the beam 108. The switch 182 is actuated by relative movement of an actuator 188 which is fixedly supported on the beam 168 beneath the downwardly biased switch arm 184. I Y

The actuator 188 comprises an internally threaded socket member 190 which is welded or otherwise rigidly connected to the beam 168. a thumb screw 192, having an enlarged head I94 and a threaded shank 196. anda nut 198. The threaded shank 196 of the thumb screw 192 passes'freelythrough a eutaway opening 200 in the "outwardly extending flanged portion fixed stanchions 2l2.-the funnel Jliismoved respectively closer to and farther from the let-off stands 14 and 16. This,

permits the let-off apparatus 10 to accommodate swiftsof various heights. It is important'thatthe wire-admitting opening -32of the funnel 30 to be close to the top of the swift from which wire is being pulled. Otherwise. uncontrolled ballooning of thewire mayoccur in the unconfined space "between the top of the swift and the Wire admitting opening 32.

An opposed pair of upright rails- 224are bolted to each stanchion 212, each stopping somewhat short of the-bottom of thestan'chions 212. The framework 216 is carriedon eight Ygroovedwheels 226 which are 'arran ged' in four inwardly directed pairs so as to ride upon the opposed pairs of rails 224..

.Se'eFlGS. a i v -A pair of angle members 228, are welded or otherwise I rigidly connected to each stanchionZIZ approximately at the lower ends of the rails 224. A suitably shaped web-reinforced stop member 230 is'we'lde'd or otherwise suitably-connectedto each pair of angle members 228. The stop'members 230 limit the downward movement of the framework 216 upon the rails As may be best seen in F I68. 1 and'3"5. the framework I 216is weldedor otherwise rigidly constructed assembly of an upper frame structure 232. a lower framestructure 234, four. upright corner beams 236. and two bracing beams 238.

The upper frame structure 232 comprises a pair of elongated parallel side beams 248 spaced outwardly from the respective stanchions 212, an elongated front beam 250 interconnecting the front ends of the respective side beams 2 48.

lel to the back beam 252. interconnectingjthe side beams 248 intermediate the ends thereof, and a short cross beam 256 interconnectingtheintermediate beam 254 and the back beam 252 intermediate the ends thereof. The intermediate beam 254 and the back beam 250 are disposed on opposite sides of the stanchions 212 with the cross beam 256 disposed between the stanchions 212. See FIGS. 1, 3 and 5.

The lower frame structure 234 comprises a pair of short side beams 262. an elongated front beam 264 interconnecting the front ends of the respective side beams 262. and an elongated back beam 266 interconnecting the back ends of the respective side beams 262. See FIGS. 3, 4 and S.

The upper frame structure 232 is rigidly connected to the lower frame structure by means of the four upright corner beams 236 and by the two bracing beams 238. See F165. 3. 4 and 5.

The aforementioned wheels 226 are journaled to suitable wheel brackets 268, which in turn are welded or otherwise rigidly attached to the framework 216. four to the upper frame structure 232 and four to the lower frame structure 234. See FIGS. 4 and 5.

A cross beam 272 is welded or otherwise rigidly connected between the stanchions 212 approximately at the lower ends of the rails 224. The cylinder case 274 of the aforementioned hydraulic jack 218 is connected to the cross beam 272 by means of suitable pinned brackets 276. The piston rod 278 of the hydraulic jack 218 is connected to the aforementioned cross beam 256 of the upper frame structure 232 of the framework 216 by means of suitable pinned brackets 280. The hydraulic jack 218 is designed to be externally controllable to lower and raise the framework 216 along the fixed stanchions 212. Adjustable stop means (not shown) are provided to hold the framework 216 in place along the fixed stanchions 212.

Details of conduits and controls suitable to effect the described operation of the hydraulic jack 218 are conventional and may be supplied readily by those skilled in the art.

A pair of upright posts 282 are welded or otherwise rigidly attached to the upper frame structure 232 of the framework 216, one at the middle of the front beam 250 and the other at the middle of the intermediate beam 254. A pillow block 284 is bolted or otherwise suitably attached to each post 282. The funnel is pivotally supported from the pillow blocks 284 by means of a pair of pivot shafts 286 journaled respectively in the pillow blocks 284.

As may be best seen in FIGS. 1, 4, 6 and 7, the pivot shafts 286 outwardly extend from respective suitable supporting structures 288 which in turn are welded or otherwise rigidly attached to respective opposite portions of the aforementioned generally square frame 86 at the upper end of the funnel 30. The pivot shafts 286 are fixedly held in suitable facings 290 which are bolted to the supporting structures 288.

Next to be described is the aforementioned means for moving the funnel 30 alternatingly between the first and second positions and for temporarily holding the funnel 30 in the respective first and second positions as wire is being pulled from successive coils on the respective first and second let-off stands 14 and 16.

Such funnel moving and holding means 40 preferably comprises pneumatic cylinder mechanism 296. Alternatively, hydraulic cylinder mechanism may be used. The cylinder case 298 of the pneumatic mechanism 296 is pivotally connected to the framework 216, and the piston rod 300 of the pneumatic cylinder mechanism 296 is pivotally connected to the funnel 30. The cylinder case 298 is pivotally suspended in a suitable manner between the legs of a U-shaped bracket 302 which in turn is welded or otherwise rigidly connected to one of the side beams 248 of the upper frame structure 232 of the framework 216 in a position permitting the piston rod 300 to be pivotally connected to one of the lateral ribs 78 of the funnel 30. The piston rod 300 carries a clevis 304 having a pinned connection to a bracket 306 which is welded or otherwise rigidly attached to the same lateral rib 78.

Retraction of the piston rod 300 causes the funnel 30 to assume the first position whereas extension of the piston rod 300 causes the funnel 30 to assume the second position. See FIG.

The funnel moving and holding means 40 further comprises first switch means 308 for effecting extension of the piston rod 30 as the trailing end of a coil on the first let-off stand 14 is pulled from the first let-off stand 14 and second switch means 310 for effecting retraction of the piston rod 300 as the trailing end of a coil on the second let-off stand 16 is pulled from the second let-off stand 16.

Any suitable electromechanical wire-detecting switches may be used for the respective first and second switch means 308 and 310. Details of suitablei switchcs arc conventional and may be supplied readily by those'skilled in the art.

In the present example. use is made of conventional plunger-type switches 312 and 314 respectively. These switches 312 and 314 have respective mechanical actuators 316 and 318 of a type commonly used in wire handling apparatus and are arranged to be reset when slack wire is laid over the respective actuators 316 and 318 and to be tripped when such slack wire is pulled off the respective actuators 316 and 318. The first switch 312 is locatedionthc stanchion 212 which is nearer to the first let-off stand 14.. and the second switch 314 is located on the stanchion 2 12 which is nearer to the second let-off stand 16.

In use, the first switch 312 is reset when slack wire taken from the trailing end of a coil on the first let-off stand 14 to the leading end of a coil on the second let-off stand 16 is laid over the actuator 316 and tripped when the last turn of the coil on the first let-off stand 14 is pulled from the first let-off stand 14 causing such slack wire to be pulled from the actuator 316. The first switch 312 is arranged to control the aforementioned pneumatic cylinder mechanism 296 such that when the first switch 312 is tripped the piston rod 300 is extended and the funnel 30 is pivoted from the first position to the second position.

ln use. the second switch 314 is reset when slack wire taken from the trailing end of a coil on the second let-off stand 14 to the leading end of a coil on the first let-off stand 16 is laid over the actuator 318 and tripped when the last turn of the coil on the second let-off stand 16 is pulled from the second let'off stand 16 causing such slack wire to be pulled from the actuator 318. The second switch 314 is arranged to control the aforementioned pneumatic cylinder mechanism 296 such that when the second switch 314 is tripped the piston rod 300 is retracted and the funnel 30 is pivoted from the second position to the first position.

Details of conduits and controls suitable to effect the described operation of the pneumatic cylinder mechanism 296 and the first and second switches 312 and 314 are conventional and may be supplied readily by those skilled in the art.

Accordingly, the let-off apparatus 10 is capable of semiautomatic operation whereby wire may be pulled continuously from any number of coils. While wire is being pulled from a first coil on the first let-off stand 14 with the funnel 30 in the first position, a second coil may be moved into readiness on the second let-off stand, the trailing end of the first coil being connected to the leading end of the second coil and the intermediate slack wire being laid ovcr the actuator 316 of the first switch 312. Thereafter, as the last turn of the first coil is pulled from the first let-off stand 14, the first switch 312 is tripped and as a result the funnel 30 is pivoted from the first position to the second position. Thus, wire is pulled continuously from the first and second coils. Then, while wire is being pulled from the second coil on the second let-off stand 16 with the funnel 30 in the second position, a third coil may be moved into readiness on the first let-off stand 14, the trailing end of the second coil being connected to the leading end of the third coil and the intermediate slack wire being laid over the actuator 318 of the second switch 314. Thereafter. as the last turn of the second coil is pulled from the second let-off stand 14, the second switch 314 is tripped and as a result the funnel 30 is pivoted from the second position to the first position. Thus, wire is pulled continuously from the second and third coils. These steps may be repeated with a fourth coil on the second let-off stand 16 as well as with any number of additional successively connected coils.

It should be understood that the let-off apparatus 10 has been described solely by way of example and that numerous changes within the scope of this invention may be suggested by the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. For example. where hydraulic means are shown, equivalent pneumatic means may be used, and vice versa. Accordingly, the scope of this invention should be determined from the following claims.

lclaim:

. 9 l. Let-off apparatus fdr confiningwire which is being pulled continuously from individual successively connected stationalet-off stands said let-off apparatus comprising anelongated funnel having at the larger endthereofa wire-admitting opening adapted to admit loose turns of wire pulled from the coils and at the smaller end thereof a wire-discharging opening; an elongated drum rotatably supported bysaid funnel outwardly of and proximate to said wire-discharging opening, funnel supporting structure supporting said funnel so as to permit movement of said funnel between a first position with said wire-admitt'ing opening overlying a coil on said first let-off stand and a ry coils arranged alternatingly on side-to-side first and second a l from-said second let-off stand.

5. The let-off apparatus of claim. 2; in which said funnel supporting structure comprises a framework pivotally supporting said funnel, fixed stanchion means supporting said framework [for translation of said framework along said stanchion means and corrcsponding movement of said funnel closer to and farther from said first and second let-off stands,'and adjusting means for adjusting the translated position of said framework along said stanchion means.

6. The let'off apparatus of claim 5.in which said adjusting means comprises a jack fixedly supported with respect to said stanchion means an opcratively connected to said framework.

second position with said wire-admitting opening overlying a coil on said second let-off stand. and funnel moving and holding means for moving said funnel alternatingly between said first and second positions and temporarily holding said funnel in said respective first and second positions as wire is being pulled from successive coils on said respective first and second let-off stands through said funnel and over said drum.

2. The let-off apparatus of claim 1. in which said funnel supporting structure pivotally supportssaid funnel adjacent said wire-discharging opening so as to permit pivotal movement of said funnel between said first and second positions.

3. The let-off apparatus of claim 2, in which said funnel moving and holding means comprises cylinder mechanism having a cylinder case pivotally supported by said funnel-sup- I porting structure and having a retractable-extensible rodpivotally connected to said funnel, said mechanism being adapted to move said funnel to said first position during retraction of said rod and to move said funnel to said second position during extension of said rod.

4. The let-off mechanism of claim 3. in which said funnel moving and holding means further comprises first switch means for effecting extension of said rod as the trailing end of a coil on said first let-off stand is pulled from said first let-off stand and second switch means for effecting retraction of said rod as the trailing end of a coil on said second stand is pulled 7. The let-off apparatus of claim 5. in which said funnel moving and holding means comprises cylinder mechanism having a cylinder case pivotally supportedbysaid framework and having a retractable-extensible rod pivotally connected to said funnel, said mechanism being adapted to move said funnel to'said first position during retraction of said rod and to control means for stopping the wire as a snag in the wire reaches said drum.

10. The let-off apparatus of claim I. wherein said snag control is arranged to stop the wire upon a marked increase in the downward pull of the wire on said drum over the downward pull of the wire on said drum under normal operating conditions. 

1. Let-off apparatus for confining wire which is being pulled continuously from individual successively connected stationary coils arranged alternatingly on side-to-side first and second let-off stands said let-off apparatus comprising an elongated funnel having at the larger end thereof a wire-admitting opening adapted to admit loose turns of wire pulled from the coils and at the smaller end thereof a wire-discharging opening, an elongated drum rotatably supported by said funnel outwardly of and proximate to said wire-discharging opening, funnel supporting structure supporting said funnel so as to permit movement of said funnel between a first position with said wire-admitting opening overlyiNg a coil on said first let-off stand and a second position with said wire-admitting opening overlying a coil on said second let-off stand, and funnel moving and holding means for moving said funnel alternatingly between said first and second positions and temporarily holding said funnel in said respective first and second positions as wire is being pulled from successive coils on said respective first and second let-off stands through said funnel and over said drum.
 2. The let-off apparatus of claim 1, in which said funnel supporting structure pivotally supports said funnel adjacent said wire-discharging opening so as to permit pivotal movement of said funnel between said first and second positions.
 3. The let-off apparatus of claim 2, in which said funnel moving and holding means comprises cylinder mechanism having a cylinder case pivotally supported by said funnel-supporting structure and having a retractable-extensible rod pivotally connected to said funnel, said mechanism being adapted to move said funnel to said first position during retraction of said rod and to move said funnel to said second position during extension of said rod.
 4. The let-off mechanism of claim 3, in which said funnel moving and holding means further comprises first switch means for effecting extension of said rod as the trailing end of a coil on said first let-off stand is pulled from said first let-off stand and second switch means for effecting retraction of said rod as the trailing end of a coil on said second stand is pulled from said second let-off stand.
 5. The let-off apparatus of claim 2, in which said funnel supporting structure comprises a framework pivotally supporting said funnel, fixed stanchion means supporting said framework for translation of said framework along said stanchion means and corresponding movement of said funnel closer to and farther from said first and second let-off stands, and adjusting means for adjusting the translated position of said framework along said stanchion means.
 6. The let-off apparatus of claim 5, in which said adjusting means comprises a jack fixedly supported with respect to said stanchion means an operatively connected to said framework.
 7. The let-off apparatus of claim 5, in which said funnel moving and holding means comprises cylinder mechanism having a cylinder case pivotally supported by said framework and having a retractable-extensible rod pivotally connected to said funnel, said mechanism being adapted to move said funnel to said first position during retraction of said rod and to move said funnel to said second position during extension of said rod.
 8. The let-off mechanism of claim 7, in which said funnel moving and holding means further comprises first switch means for effecting extension of said rod as the last turn of a coil on said first let-off stand is pulled from said first let-off stand and second switch means for effecting retraction of said rod as the last turn of a coil on said second let-off stand is pulled from said second let-off stand.
 9. The let-off apparatus of claim 1, further comprising snag control means for stopping the wire as a snag in the wire reaches said drum.
 10. The let-off apparatus of claim 1, wherein said snag control is arranged to stop the wire upon a marked increase in the downward pull of the wire on said drum over the downward pull of the wire on said drum under normal operating conditions. 